Nestable combination table and bench structure



April 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4Sheets-Sheet 1 P /5 ii. /6 /2 a5 39 7 f; .35 /7 ML INVENTOR. KER/WTHVWLso/v ATTORNEQ/S W April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,028,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4Sheets-Sheet 2 I I III! INVENTOR.

' KERM/T H VV/Lso/v ATTORNEYS April 3, 1962 K. H. WILSON 3,023,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR. KERM/rHT V/LsoN Es. 7 BY April 5 K. H. WILSON3,028,197

NESTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Filed July 29, 1958 4Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. KER/m7- H MLS o- A T TORNE VS United Statesatent A 3,$Z3,l97 Patented Apr. 3, 1962 3,028,197 NESTABLE COMBINATIONTABLE AND BENCH STRUCTURE Kermit H. Wilson, Sico Manufacturing Co., 5215Eden Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. Filed July 29, 1958, Ser. No. 751,791 6Claims. (Cl. 297-124) My invention relates to a combination table andbench structure; and more particularly, an improved combination tableand bench structure wherein a plurality of such structures may be easilynested together in a relatively confined area.

An object of my invention is to provide a novel and improved combinationtable and bench structure; the parts of which are readily and easilymoved between operative positions either as a bench structure or as atable structure, and a stored position; and wherein at the storedposition of the structure, a plurality of these combination table andbench structures may be easily nested together in a relatively confinedspace.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a table and benchcombination as aforementioned which is stable in all of its positions,which frictionally engages the floor at its bench or table positions butwhich is readily portable at its storage position.

It is a further object of my invention to provide such a combinationtable and bench structure which does not require locks and latches tomaintain the parts thereof in their various positions but which isconstructed to be substantially automatic or self-locking to maintainthe parts thereof in their desired positions.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide a novel andimproved combination bench and table structure which is easily operated,attractive in design, and not complex in structure or operation buthaving the advantages and objectives aforementioned.

The above and further objectives and advantages of my invention willbecome apparent in the course of the following specification, claims andattached drawings.

Referring to the drawings wherein like characters indicate like partsthroughout the severalv-iew's:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of my novel andimproved table and bench structure;

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the structure of FIG. 1 but takenfrom a different side thereof;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the parts thereof indifferent positions;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary View in side elevation, some parts being brokenaway, taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view in elevation showing a plurality of the table and benchstructures of FIG. 1 in stored position and in nested relationship;

FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation taken 'on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6 andshowing the front one of the table and bench structures in its storageposition; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of the nested table and bench structures as shownin FIG. 6.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, an embodiment of my noveland improved combination table and bench structure is indicated in itsentirety by the general reference numeral 10. Table andbench structure10 has a frame structure, indicated generally by the numeral 11, whichcomprises a pair of laterally spaced generally vertically disposedgenerally parallel floor-engageable side frames, indicated generally bythe numeral 12.

Side frames 12 are preferably formed of tubular stock; and eachcomprises a generally vertically disposed supporting portion or framemember 13 and horizontal transversely extending frame portions 14. Frameportions 14 are preferably longitudinally extended horizontally disposedtubular members each flattened at each of its ends, indicated by thenumeral 15. Each of the ends 15 of frame portions 14 is connected to asubstantially conventional caster element 16 which need not be furtherdescribed and which provides anti-friction floor engageable elements.Frame members 13 also comprise longitudinally extended tubular memberswhich are welded or otherwise rigidly secured at their lower ends 17each to a different one of the frame portions 14 intermediate the ends15 thereof. Preferably, as shown in the drawings, frame members 13 aredisposed generally centrally intermediate the ends 15 of frame portions14. Frame members 13 are disposed in common vertical planes and frameportions 14 extend transversely, preferably at right angles as shown, tothe vertical planes of supporting portions or membersllv on either sidethereof to dispose their casterequipped ends or end portions 15 inlaterally outwardly spaced relationship with frame members 13 on eitherside thereof. There are of course a variety of modifications which mightbe made to my preferred frame structure 11 as aforementioned. Merely forexample, the parts of frame portions 14 which extend transversely on oneside of frame members 13 might be vertically spaced with respect to theparts of frame portions 14 extending transversely on the other side offrame members 13. Also, one part of the frame portions 14 of each sideframe 12 might be formed integrally with the supporting portions 13 anda part of frame portions 14 extending to one side of frame member 13might be secured to said integral member.

Frame structure 11 further comprises a supporting cross member 18 whichis a longitudinally extended tubular member in the shape of an invertedU having laterally spaced vertically disposed side rails 19 and anintermediate connecting rail 20. The free ends of U-shaped cross member18 which are the lower ends of rails 19 are each welded or otherwiserigidly secured to a different one of the frame portions 14 in laterallyspaced relationship to frarne members 13. Ends 15 of frame portions 14define the lateral limits of the frame structure 11; and cross member 18is disposed inwardly spaced from the lateral limits of frame structure11 or laterally inwardly of the adjacent ends 15. Frame members 13extend vertically upwardly beyond the upper limits of cross member 18 orvertically upwardly beyond horizontal connecting rail 20 thereof. A pairof horizontally disposed cross braces Zlla'are welded or otherwiserigidly secured each at its opposite ends to a different one of theframe members 13 and the adjacent side rail 19 in vertically upwardlyspaced relation to frame portions 14 for strengthening frame structure11.

I provide a longitudinally extended combination benchback and table-topmember 21 which has connected to the underside thereof a generallyrectangular mounting frame 22 formed of metallic U-shaped channelmaterial with the channel thereof opening laterally inwardly. I providea pair of laterally spaced cross pieces 23 formed of the same channelmaterial as mounting frame 22, which extend at right angles to thelongitudinal dimension of bench and top member 21 etween opposedportions of mounting frame 22 and are rigidly secured to the mountingframe 22 by welding or the like or may be rigidly anchored to theunderside of the bench and top member 21 in any suitablemanner. Each ofthe cross pieces 23 is connected to bench and top member 21 adjacent adifferent end of bench and top member 21 but inwardly .spaced therefrom.Cross pieces 23 are laterally spaced at distance substantially equal tothe spacing between side frames 12 and form mounting braces forconnecting bench and top member 21 to supporting frame members 13.

Each of the cross pieces 23 has a longitudinally extending slot 24 whichis enlarged at one end as indicated by the numeral 25. Each of the framemembers 13 is fiatten ed at its upper end and apertured to receive amounting pin 26. Each of the mounting pins 26 is mounted in a differentone of the slots 24 for relative movement'therein for mounting back andtop member 21 to the upper ends of frame members 13 for movementsbetween a supported generally horizontal table-top position, shown inFIG. 3, and a generally vertically disposed bench-back position, shownin FIG. 4. Each of the pins 26 is providedwith a head at one end and anut or the like at the other to anchor it in position. For guiding themovements of back and top member 21 between the positionsaforementioned, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, I provide a pair of controllinks 27 each pivotally connected at one end to 'a different one of theframe members 13 intermediate the ends thereof and at its opposite endto its associated cross piece 23 adjacent the outwardly disposedlongitudinal edge of back and top member 21. Enlarged end 25 of slot 24is disposed adjacent the other or inward longitudinal edge of back andtop member 21; and slot 24 extends therefrom toward the pivotalconnection of the associated control link 27 to the same cross piece 23.

Rigid control links 27 pivot about their pivotal connection toframemembers '13 on a common horizontal axis between the positions shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 to control the movements of back and top member 21 betweenits table-topposition as shown in FIG. 3 and its bench-back position asshown in FIG. 4. At the table-top position of back and top member 21,pins 26 are disposed in the enlarged ends 25 of slots 24'to lock backand top memer 21 at its table-top position. As mentioned, enlarged ends25 are disposed adjacent the inward longitudinal edge of back and topmember 21 so that supporting frame members 13 underlie back and topmember 21 adjacent the inward longitudinal 'edge thereof and controllinks 27 support the outer longitudinal edge thereof to provide'a'stable support for back and top member 21 at its tabletop position.Further, it should be noted that back and top member 21 at its table-topposition overlies frame portions with floor-engaging caster elements 16underlying generally the outer longitudinal edge of back and top member21 which further provides a stable structure. A relative upward movementof the inner longitudinal edge of back and top member 21 when it is atits tabletop position moves pins 26 out of enlarged ends 25 of slots 24to release back and'top member 21 from its tabletop position and permitrelative movement of pins 26 in theslots 24 to the other ends thereof asshown in FIG. 4. Control links 27are pivotally moved from their inclinedpositions of FIG. 3 to generally vertical positions of FIG. 4,substantially in the same vertical planes as frame members 13 when backand top member 21 is at its benchback position of FIG. 4. It should benoted that when back and top member 21' is at its bench-back position,both it and its mounting means, including links 27, mounting frame 22and cross pieces 23, are disposed closely adjacent supporting framemember 13 and in inwardly spaced relationship from the outward limits offrame structure 11 as defined by ends 15 of frame portions 14.

I provide a longitudinally extended seat 28 which is pivotally connectedadjacent its inner longitudinal edge to connecting rail by hingeelements 29 for swinging movements about the horizontal axis defined byconnecting rail 20 between the supported generally horizontal operativeposition shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the upstanding inoperative positionshown in FIG. 6. A generally vertically disposed inverted U-shaped legstructure 30, formed of tubular stock material, is pivotally connectedby hinge elements 31 to the outer longitudinal edge of seat 28 anddepending therefrom. The lower or outer free ends of leg structure30-comprise friction feet 32, which may be rubber or the like, adaptedto frictionally engage the supporting floor at the operative 'positionof seat 28 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. By referring to FIG. 6, it will benoted that at the inoperative position of seat 28, friction feet 32 arevertically upwardly spaced from and out of engagement with thesupporting floor so that my combination table and bench structure 10 iseasily portable since the only floor-engaging elements are the casterelements 16. Whenthe table and bench struc ture 10 is in use, however,friction feet 32 frictionally engage the floor to fix the table inposition. This eliminates the necessity of any caster locks or the like;and is a very desirable feature of my invention.

I provide 'a pair of brace rods 33 forcontrolling the movements of legstructure 30 during movements of seat 28. Each of the brace rods 33 ispivotally connected at one end to a different one of the laterallyspaced leg portions 34 of leg structure '36 by outwardly turning one endof each of therods 33 which are journalled in leg portions 34 andsecured in position by a nut 01' the like. The opposite ends of rods 33,indicated by the numeral 35, are inturned each to be -'joi1rnalled in adifferent one of the side rails 19 of cross member 18 adjacent frameportions 14; and further, ends 35 are journalled adjacent posed;however, the ends of rods 33 connected to leg portions 34 are raisedslightly vertically with respect to ends 35 thereof. This acts to placerods 33 under tension when seat 28 is in a vertical position and whichacts as a lock when seat 28 goes over center, to its slightly inclinedinoperative position'as shown in FIG. 6. Seat 28 at its inoperativeposition, shown'in FIG. 6, engages back and top member 21 in face'toface relationship when back and top member isat its bench b'a ckposition.

U-shaped arm 36 comprises laterally spaced parallel link portions 37ands generally horizontal connecting portion 38. A longitudinallyextended kneeler 39 is pivotally connected adjacent its innerlongitudinal edge by hinge elements 40 to connecting portion 38 of arm36. The operative position ofkneeler 39 is shown in FIG. 4, where- 'inkneeler 39 is disposed'horizontally and overlies frame portions 14 atthe side of frame members 13 away from seat 28, and is supported byframe portions 14.

otal connection of arm 36 to side rails 19 and frame members 13sufficient to dispose the inner or trailing longitudinal edge of kneeler39 laterally outwardly spaced from frame members 13 When the leadinglongitudinal edge thereof engages the lower ends of frame members 13.This acts to self-lock kneeler 39: in itsinoperative generally verticalposition so that the kneeler must be lifted vertically and then pulledout along its leading or outward longitudinal edge in order to be movedfrom its inoperative position to its operative position.

My invention is particularly adapted to be used in schools, churches orthe like wherein a plurality of my combination table and bench structure10' are used. together. Generally, back and top member 21 when it is atthe table-top position of FIG. 1, is used in conjunction with the seatof an adjacent table and bench it might be so used if desired. When backand top member 21 is at its bench-back position of FIG. 4, it is usedwith the seat 28 of the same structure 10. Thus, seat 28 at itsoperative position is in normal cooperating seat relationship with theback and top member 21 of the same structure when the latter is at itsbench-back position, and seat 28 is at a height coincident with a seatrelationship with said back and top member 21 at its table-top positionsothat seat 28 is disposed at its height relative to the table-topposition of back and top member 21 so that it can be used with anadjacent structure 10.

When back and top member 21 is at its bench-back position, shown in FIG.4, when seat 28 is at its inoperative position, shown in FIG. 6, andwhen kneeler 29 is also at its inoperative position, my combinationtable and bench structure 10 is at its storage position. It should beparticularly noted that when seat 28 is at its inoperative position ofFIG. 6, seat 28 and its associated sup porting and mounting means,including leg structure 30, rods 33, cross member 18, and the connectinghinge elements, are all disposed adjacent to generally vertical planesof said back and top member when it is at its bench-back position; andin fact, seat 28 is in actual engagement with back and top member 21 atthis position. It is also true that kneeler 39 at its inoperativeposition is disposed adjacent to frame members 13 or adjacent generallyvertical planes of the back and top member when it is at its bench-backposition.

It is a feature of my invention that seat 28 and back and top member 21are positionable, together with their associated mounting and supportingmeans in a relatively confined space defined by adjacent laterallyspaced generally vertical planes which are intermediate the laterallimits of side frames 12 and defined by ends of frame portions 14. Theportions of frame structure 11 laterally outwardly of said verticalplanes, which includes the ends 15 of frame portions 14 and adjacentportions thereof and caster elements 16, are free of cross connections,that is, the space therebetween is free and unobstructed, and saidportions of the side frames 12 are at a height to permit nesting of aplurality of the table and bench structures 10 as shown in FIGS. 6 and8. It is clear that by straddling the side frames 12 of adjacent tableand bench structures 10 as particularly shown in FIG. 8, the compactrelatively confined seat 28, back and top member 21, and associatedsupporting structure of one table and bench structure 10 may be movedinto closely adjoining relationship with an adjacent structure 10 asshown in FIG. 6. This permits nesting of a plurality of table and benchstructures 10 in a relatively confined space. My table and benchstructures It permit an area of a school, church, or the like, to beused as an auditorium when the structures 10 are in their benchpositions or as a lunchroom, when the structures 10 are in their tablepositions, or the area may be cleared for other activities by storingthe structures 10 in their nested storage positions.

Table and bench structures have been built and tested and commerciallyproduced in accordance with the embodiment of my invention asspecifically shown in the drawings and described. My table and benchstructures 10 have proven to be highly desirable commercially and foundto be completely satisfactory for the accomplishment of the objectivesof my invention. shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, it wouldbe clear to one skilled in the art that my invention as hereinspecifically shown in the drawings and described is capable of changesand modification without departing from the scope and spirit-of myinvention. Therefore, I Wish it to be understood that I intend to belimited solely to the scope and spirit of my invention as set forth inthe following claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a combination table and bench structure, a pair of forwardly andrearwardly elongated rigid end frames While I havev disposed inlaterally spaced parallel relationship to one another, each of said endframes being confined within closely adjacent generally verticalparallel planes whereby said end frames are relatively thin, rigidconnecting structure extending between and rigidly connecting said endframes to fixedly maintain the said relative positions thereof, saidconnecting structure being disposed intermediate the forward andrearward ends of said end frames, a longitudinally extended seatdisposed to extend between said end frames, means swingably connectingthe seat to the end frames for swinging movements from a generallyhorizontally disposed operative seating position wherein the rear edgethereof is disposed intermediate the vertical planes of the forward andrearward ends of the end frames to a generally upstanding storageposition wherein the entire seat is disposed intermediate the verticalplanes of the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, said endframes each comprising an upstanding portion extending above the upperplane of the seat in all positions of the latter'and disposedintermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of theend frames, a longitudinally extended combination bench-back andtable-top member extending between and swingably connected to saidupstanding end frame portions for movements from a generally horizontaloperative table-top position adjacent the upper limits of said end frameportions to a generally vertical benchback position at the side ofsaid'end frame portions adjacent the seat, and means for connecting saidtable-top member to said end frame portions comprising structure rigidwith said table-top member defining a pair of laterally spaced parallellongitudinally extended slots disposed in planes parallel to said endframes and each disposed adjacent a different one of said end frameportions, a pair of pivot pin portions each rigid with a different oneof said end frame portions and having a common axis transverse to saidend'frames, said pivot pin portions each being slidably mounted in theadjacent slot for longitudinal and swinging movements relative to saidtable-top member, each slot having an upwardly directed notch formedtherein adjacent one end which is adjacent the inner longitudinal edgeof said table-top member, each slot extending from its notch in adirection toward the outer longitudinal edge of said table-top member,said pivot pin portions being disposed in their said respectiveassociated notches when said table-topmember is at its horizontaltable-top position to releasably latch said table-top member at saidposition, and a pair of rigid links each pivotally connected adjacentone end to a different one of said end frame portions below the planesof said table-top member at its horizontal position and each pivotallyconnected adajacent its opposite end to said table-top memberintermediate the outer longitudinal edge thereof and the adjacent endsof said slots, said links being pivotally swingable relative to said endframe portions and table-top member about axes generally parallel tosaid pivot pin portions, and said links extending diagonally at thehorizontal position of said table-top member for supporting said memberadjacent its outer longitudinal edge and said links guiding the swingingmovements of said table-top member, said seat at its storage positionand said bench-back and table-top memher at its bench-back positionbeing juxtaposed in a generally confined space defined by adjacentforwardly and rearwardly spaced generally vertical planes which space isadjacent said connecting structure and intermediate the vertical planesof the forward and rearward ends of the end frames, and the portions ofsaid end frames at one side of said space being free and unobstructedtherebetween and below the horizontal planes of said seat at its storageposition and said table-top member at its bench-back position to permitnesting of a plurality of said table and'bench structures by disposingthe table-top member and seat of one table and bench structure adjacentthe table-top member and seat of an adjacent table and bench structurewith the end frames thereof in overlapping relationship.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 in further com.- bination with alongitudinally extended kneeler engaging and supported by horizontalportions of said end frames in over-lying relationship at one side ofsaid end frame portions, and means connecting said kneeler to said endframes for movements between a generally horizontal operative positionand an upstanding inoperative position intermediate the vertical planesof the forward and rearward ends of the end frames and adjacent saidconfined space.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 in which said end frame portionsextend vertically upwardly from said horizontal portions of the endframes and in which said lastmentioned means comprises a pair oflaterally spaced arms each pivotally connected at one end to thetrailing longitudinal edge of said kneeler and at its opposite end tosaid end frames in spaced relation to said end frame portions in adirection away from said kneeler for pivotal movement of said arms withrespect to said end frames about a generally horizontal axis generallycoplaner with said horizontal portions of the end frames, said armsbeing longer than the distance between theirpivotal connection to saidend frames and said end frame portions so that at the inoperativeposition of said kneeler the leading edge thereof engages said end frameportions and the trailing edge thereof is laterally spaced therefrom,whereby said kneeler is self-locking in its inoperative position throughits connection to said end frames.

4. In a bench structure, a pair of forwardly and rearwardly elongatedrigid end frames disposed in laterally spaced parallel relationship toone another, rigid connecting structure extending between and rigidlyconnecting said end frames to fixedly maintain the relative positionsthereof, said end frames each comprising an upstanding portionintermediate the vertical planes of the forward and rearward ends of theend frames and a horizontal portion at one side of the upstandingportion thereof, said upstanding portions being in common generallyvertical planes and said horizontal portions being in common generallyhorizontal planes, a longitudinally extended kneeler engaging andsupported by said horizontal portions in overlying relationship, meansconnecting said kneeler to said end frames for movements between agenerally horizontal operative position and an upstanding inoperativeposition adjacent said upstanding portions, said means comprising a pairof rigid laterally spaced arms each pivotally connected adjacent one endadjacent the trailing longitudinal edge of the kneeler and adjacent itsopposite end each to a different one of said end frames in spacedrelation to said upstanding portions in a direction away from saidkneeler for pivotal movements about generally horizontal axes, thedistance between the pivotal connections of each arm being longer thanthe distance between its pivotal connection to its associated end frameand the upstanding portion thereof so that at the inoperative positionof said kneeler the leading edge thereof engages said upstandingportions and the trailing edge thereof is laterally spaced therefrom,whereby said kneeler is self-locking in its inoperative position. I

5. A nestable combination table and bench structure comprising framestructure including a pair of laterally spaced forwardly and rearwardlyelongated rigid end frame members having upstanding supporting portionsdisposed generally centrally of the forward and rearward ends thereof,an elongated normally horizontal seat extending between said end framemembers, means pivotally connecting said seat adjacent its innerlongitudinal edge to said frame structure below the level of the upperends of said upstanding supporting portions for swinging movements ofsaid seat between a horizontal position and a generally upstandingstorage position at one side of said supporting portions, an elongatedtable-top and benchback member extending between said upstandingsupporting portions, means including said upstanding supporting portionsfor supporting said table-top member in a generally horizontal positionadjacent the upper ends of said upstanding supporting portions, meanspivotally connecting said table-top and bench-back member to saidupstanding portions for both swinging movements and transverse movementsthereof relative to said upstanding portions between its generallyhorizontal table-top position and a generally vertical bench-backposition at the same side of said supporting portions as said seat andadjacent the inner longitudinal edge of the seat at its horizontalposition and to be disposed adjacent said upstanding portionsandbetween-said upstanding portions and the upfolded seat, whereby saidseat and said table-top member will be brought into generally verticaljuxtaposition intermediate the forward and rearward ends of said endframe members, and said end frame members defining therebetween anunobstructed space adapted to receive corresponding end framemembers inoverlapping relationship to permit nesting of a plurality of said tableand bench structures.

6. Ane'stable combination table and bench structure comprising framestructure including a pair of laterally spaced forwardly andrearwardlyelongated rigid end frame members having upstanding supporting portionsdisposed generally centrally of the forward and rearward ends thereof,an elongated normally horizontal seat extending between said end framemembers, means pivotally connecting said seat adjacent its innerlongitudinal edge to said frame structure below the level of the upperends of said upstanding supporting portions for swinging move ments ofsaid seat between a horizontal position and a generally upstandingstorage position at one side of said supporting portions, an elongatedtable-top and benchback member extending between said upstandingsupporting portions, means for supporting said table-top and bench-backmember in a generally horizontal position adjacent the upper ends ofsaid upstanding supporting portions and for pivotally connecting saidtable-top and bench-back member to said upstandingportions for bothswinging movements and transverse movements thereof relative to saidupstanding'portions between its generally horizontal table-top positionand 'a generally vertical bench-back position at the same side of saidsupporting portions as said seat and adjacent the inner longitudinaledge of the seat at its horizontal position and to be disposed adjacentsaid upstanding portions and between said upstanding portions and theupfolded seat, said last-mentioned means comprising said upstandingsupporting portions wherein said table-top and bench-back member at itshorizontal position overlies the upper ends of said upstandingsupporting portions with said upper ends being disposed adjacent thelongitudinal edge of said table-top and bench-back member nearest theseat and said last-mentioned means comprising a pair of links eachpivotally connected at one end to said upstanding portions and at theother end to said table-top and bench-back member adjacent the otherlongitudinal edge of said member, said table-top and bench-back memberbeing movable between its said positions over the upper ends of saidupstanding supporting portions, whereby said seat and said table-top andbench-back member will be brought into generally vertical juxtapositionintermediate the forward and rearward ends of said end frame members,and said end frame members defining therebetween an unobstructed spaceadapted to receive corresponding end frame members in overlappingrelationship to permit nesting of a plurality of said table and benchstructures.

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